Glazunov: Symphony No. 5; The Seasons

Alexander Glazunov (Composer), José Serebrier (Conductor), Royal Scottish National Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Royal Scottish National Orchestra
• Conductor: José Serebrier
• Composer: Alexander Glazunov
• Audio CD (September 28, 2004)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Classics
• ASIN: B0002VE206
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #104,575 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, Op. 55: 1. Moderato - Maestoso - Allegro

2. Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, Op. 55: 2. Scherzo: Moderato

3. Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, Op. 55: 3. Andante

4. Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, Op. 55: 4. Allegro - Maestoso

5. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Winter. Introduction

6. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Winter. Scene

7. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Winter. Variation 1: Frost

8. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Winter. Variation 2: Ice

9. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Winter. Variation 3: Hail

10. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Winter. Variation 4: Snow

11. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Spring

12. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Summer. Scene

13. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Summer. Waltz of the cornflowers and poppies

14. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Summer. Barcarolle

15. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Summer. Variation: The ear of corn

16. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Summer. Coda

17. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Autumn. Bacchanale. Entries of the Seasons

18. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Autumn. Petit adagio

19. The Seasons, ballet, Op. 67: Autumn. Variation: The Satyr. Les Bacchantes. Les Satyres et Faunes. Fall of dead leaves. Apothéose

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Winning Album in Every Count!, October 31, 2004

By 

David Anthony Hollingsworth (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Glazunov: Symphony No. 5; The Seasons (Audio CD)

It seems as though Glazunov is getting a good deal of attention as of late, with a multiple of new recordings of his music that were issued in the past year (believe me, the surge is most welcome, for like other reviewers of this disc, its neglect is baffling). Truth to tell, it has been quite a while since accounts of his works, particularly the Fifth Symphony, are given with such flair and freshness as they are here. Not that Serebrier's approach is entirely unadorned, but that's to its advantages. Take the climax (at 7'20") of the Symphony's first movement, how grand the approach is without being undercharged. Although Borodin's influence is noticeable throughout, Serebrier would have you think twice. This is pure Glazunov plain and simple under the great Maestro's hands. And how sweet the lyricism is particularly in the Scherzo. The andante is well played also, though not emotionally as heartwarming as in Svetlanov's and Fedoseyev's recordings (the brass interceptions are especially poignant and tragic in these fine vintage Melodiya albums). But Serebrier held his ground well, as in the case in the Finale, which is superbly done and very much reminds me of Jarvi and Svetlanov in their overall takes. Exemplary, particularly at the climaxes and the finising bars of the work (though I'm still finding myself thrilled of how emphatic Jarvi is in the six-note Tchaikovskian closing).

The same amount of praises are warranted in Serebrier's take of "Vremena Goda" ("The Seasons"). This is Glazunov at his best (and those who deem the score as an equal to "The Nutcracker" are not insane). It is, as typical with the composer's music, a very demanding work and treating it too straightforwardly would rob some of its delicate yet highly imaginative qualities. Most conductors, particularly Jarvi in Chandos, succeed in bringing out the intricate details of the piece to full effects. There are no exceptions of it here, where Serebrier allows the music to flow, very much like what Svetlanov did in his 1978 EMI recording. Jarvi's rendition have more excitability and brisk (the Bacchanal and the Scene III's coda leading up to it are the best on record). But there are plenty of virtures to be found here, as this recording may well set new standards. As in the Chandos disc, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra responds with plenty of warmth and exuberance for Serebrier. The recording sound is first class and the album is well indexed and presented. My only hope is for the same team to record Glazunov's other works like, say, his Sixth Symphony and perhaps even "Raymonda."

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCES BY THE RSNO AND JOSE SEREBRIER, October 1, 2004

By 

R. B. (London, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glazunov: Symphony No. 5; The Seasons (Audio CD)

Obviously, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra has Russian music on their collective blood. They play Glazunov as if their lives depended on it. It makes you hand from every breath, like a novel you can't put away. Glazunov. in these superb performances comes out triumphant as a truly major Russian master, of the level of Tchaikowsky and Rachmaninoff. The music is well contructed and so rich in memorable melodies that one has to wonder why it has taken so long to make it into the mainstream. There are several versions coming all at once in the market from labels such as Chandos, BIS and Naxos. The
performances here by Jose Serebrier and the RSNO, on Warner Classics, is the only one to consider seriously. I know. I own them all, and this new version is on a class of its own. The
performances are passionate, powerful, full of intensity. And yet there is a calculated continuity at work. Congratulations to Warners and to the recording team for the beautiful, clar sound. A true demonstration recording!
Ralph Brown
England

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MAGNIFICENT NEW RECORDING, September 29, 2004

By 

Sonia Mendez "Sonia" (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glazunov: Symphony No. 5; The Seasons (Audio CD)

I was never attracted to the music of this still rather neglected Russian master. The bits and pieces one hears
sounded like watered-down Tchaikovsky. I was not aware
of the great impact this music could make under the
right hands. What a wonderful surprise! The magnificent
performances that conductor Jose Serebrier emanates
from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra are a
revelation. The music suddenly comes alive, from the
first note.

The 5th symphony by Glazunov, in this performance, is
revealed as a great neglected masterpice, which should
have its place among the concert favorites of works by
Dvorak and Tchaikovsky. This music has everything: drama,
beautiful melodies, originality.

The famous ballet music for The Seasons is a complete joy.
Jose Serebrier lets the music flow and breathe, and the
orchestra comes across as one of the very best European
ensembles. I have the previous version of this work,
recorded years ago by the same orchestra on Chandos, with
Neeme Jarvi, and it doesn't sound at all like the same
orchestra. The old recording is serviceable at best, and
uninspired. Serebrier's new version reveals the great
beauty of the music and it is also performed to perfection.
I highly recommend this recording.
R.A.